Baseball

Shepherd, Hess recognized by Baseball America

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Tech pitchers Matthew Shepherd
and David Hess have been selected by Baseball America as two of the
top prospects in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Baseball America is recognized as one of the premier
publications for baseball at the high school, college and
professional levels across the country.

“It’s great to see some of our guys get some
recognition,” head coach Matt Bragga said. “We have a
lot of guys who could break into these lists as the season goes
on.”

Shepherd, a senior Bluff City, Tenn. native, was named the
OVC’s fifth prospect for Major League Baseball’s
2012-13 draft. During his three seasons as Tech, Shepherd has
thrown 156.2 innings, including one complete game last season,
while recording 122 strikeouts.

“Shepherd’s stuff is deserving to be on this
list,” Golden Eagle pitching coach Donnie Suttles said.
“As the season goes on, he is going to have to prove that he
belongs further up the list.”

A three-position player out of Tullahoma, Tenn., Hess was named
the OVC’s No. 3 newcomer this season by Baseball America.

“Hess will be one of our go-to pitchers on the weekends
this season,” Bragga said.

While at Tullahoma High School, Hess played as a pitcher,
outfielder and shortstop. He earned a pair of all-district awards
en route to a District Pitcher of the Year honor, and was voted
all-state. During his senior season, Hess stuck out 102 batters and
maintained a 1.91 ERA as he built an 8-1 record.

“Hess is ahead of schedule on his development,”
Suttles said. “He’s a freshman with a junior’s
mentality. He has no ceiling and could go as high as he wants
to.”

The Golden Eagles open the 2012 season Feb. 17, as they take on
Missouri State in the Red Raider Classic in Lubbock, Texas.